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The Fed issues a dire warning about trade wars

The Federal Reserve is warning that an escalating trade war would pose a big threat to the economy.

But for now, it's sticking with its plan to raise interest rates — whether President Donald Trump likes it or not.

In minutes of its most recent meeting, released Wednesday, central bankers warned that a "major escalation" of trade disputes could speed inflation and cause businesses to pull back on investment.

Such an escalation could also reduce household spending and disrupt companies' supply chains, participants noted.

Some business leaders reported that recent tariff increases have already begun to cause higher prices. Others have reduced or delay investment spending because of uncertainty about future trade policy.

Still, some Federal Open Market Committee members noted that most businesses concerned about trade disputes hadn't cut back their spending or hiring, but "might do so if trade tensions were not resolved soon."

In the meantime, the central bank is standing by its plan for higher rates as the economy strengthens, according to the minutes.

The Fed is expected to raise rates twice more this year, starting in September.

The Fed meeting, held July 31 and August 1, was the first after Trump began lashing out at Fed Chairman Jerome Powell for hiking rates. The president told CNBC in July
that was "not thrilled" with the Fed's actions.

He used similar language on Monday in an interview with Reuters, arguing the central bank should be doing more to help the economy.

"I should be given some help by the Fed," said the president, who himself appointed Powell to lead the central bank.

Presidents have historically avoided commenting on Fed policies. The central bank is designed to be independent from political interference.

The Fed's minutes made no mention of Trump's criticism as a factor in its decision-making.

Since Trump took office, the Fed has raised rates five times, including twice this year under Powell. The Fed has been carefully and gradually raising rates over the past several years to keep inflation in check and prevent the economy from overheating.

After two further rate hikes in 2018, it has penciled in three more rate hikes in 2019.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell told the "Marketplace" radio show in July that he was "deeply committed" to maintaining Fed independence.

"We do our work in a strictly nonpolitical way, based on detailed analysis, which we put on the record transparently, and we don't take political considerations into account," Powell said in the interview.

Powell is expected to speak on Friday at an annual economic symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.